da dobrowin： The Egyptian scored and assisted in west London, but Jurgen Klopp was left sweating after key players were forced off early

da bet7： Mohamed Salah scored and assisted on his return to action as Liverpool absolutely obliterated Brentford in their Premier League matchup on Saturday, running out 4-1 winners despite both Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota being forced off with first-half injuries.

The Bees looked to make things difficult for the visitors with a dominant first half-hour, but a defensive error changed the course of the match completely – and set the tone for the rest of game

Sergio Reguilon misjudged the flight of a long ball and Jota capitalised, expertly heading into the path of Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan showed rare composure in front of goal and chipped delightfully over goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

But that would be Jota's last contribution as he and Jones were forced off in quick succession with worrying-looking issues, adding to Jurgen Klopp's woes in the treatment room. On the positive side, those issues did allow Salah to be introduced after a lengthy injury lay-off of his own – and it was as if the Egyptian had never been away.

Salah's pinpoint pass set up Alexis Mac Allister for Liverpool's second, with the Argentine showing intricate skill to finish coolly. Salah then got in on the action himself with a fine mazy run after Brentford switched off again at the back.

Ivan Toney got a consolation for the hosts before the rout was completed, as a complete miscue by Nathan Collins allowed Luis Diaz in, and he duly set up Cody Gakpo for Liverpool's fourth. Over to you, Manchester City…

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from the Gtech Community Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10):

Undoubtedly a last-minute selection after Alisson's latest injury setback, but played well here. He made an unbelievable save only to see Toney knock in the rebound, before keeping the England strike out late on with another great stop.

Conor Bradley (7/10):

Showed great feet in advanced areas and was Liverpool's most threatening defender going forward. Drifted centrally at times and came close from long range at one point.

Ibrahima Konate (5/10):

Guilty of affording Maupay too much space early on when Brentford looked more dangerous. Positioning questionable at times but unthreatened as Liverpool took control of the game.

Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

Again struggled early on but warmed into the game. Turned into a fairly solid display, and nearly scored with a bullet header late on.

Andrew Robertson (7/10):

Perhaps a basic observation but his passing ability is fantastic. Posed a real threat from crosses and linked up play so well, and like Bradley got himself well forward.

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Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

Endo's inclusion again gave him more creative license and he thrived in a more offensive role. Deft touch matched a pinpoint assist from Salah for a sublime Liverpool second.

Wataru Endo (7/10):

Liverpool's lynchpin in midfield. Showed ridiculous work rate and was constantly battling. Could temper his aggression, though, after picking up a needless yellow.

Curtis Jones (5/10):

Barely lasted half an hour before being forced off after an awkward-looking landing. Replaced by Gravenberch.

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Diogo Jota (7/10):

Arguably Liverpool's best player before being stretchered off just before half-time. Superb awareness set up Nunez for his first-half chip. Klopp will be left sweating as his knee injury looked serious.

Darwin Nunez (7/10):

Pace a constant outlet for Liverpool and that he utilised that for his goal. Reguilon defended poorly and Jota assisted expertly, but it was a sublime chipped finish from Nunez. Hooked at half-time, presumably as a precautionary measure.

Luis Diaz (7/10):

Came central too often early in the match, clogging up Liverpool's attack. But grew into the game and was his typical tricky self when staying out wide. Showed some mazy footwork and assisted Gakpo for the fourth.

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Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):

Brought on for the injured Jones after 34 minutes. Slotted right into midfield and put in a solid performance, both defensively and offensively.

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

What an introduction. Wouldn't have expected such an early return from injury but that certainly didn't show. Played a sublime pass for Mac Allister's goal and showed incredible strength and finesse for his own strike. His return is set to be huge given Jota's woes.

Cody Gakpo (7/10):

Brought on for Nunez at half-time and, like Gravenberch, slotted right in. Played in by Diaz and finished expertly to complete the rout.

Harvey Elliott (N/A):

Brought on for Mac Allister, too late to make an impact.

Joe Gomez (N/A):

Brought on for Bradley, too late to make an impact.

Jurgen Klopp (8/10):

Near-perfect performance from his side, sending a clear message to City ahead of their match against Chelsea later on Saturday. Huge downside will obviously be the double injury blow, especially to Jota, but the return of Salah couldn't have come at a better time. Five points clear at the top…